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Since my Western Conference roundup went up a week or so ago, some roster changes have taken place. Christian Laettner moved on to Miami, Jake Tsakalidis is staying in Memphis for the next three years, the Hawks signed Jon Barry and Kenny Anderson, and Steve Smith hooked up with the Bobcats. But with training camp less than a month away, at least a dozen serviceable free agents still looking for deals. Here is a team-by-team look at the Eastern Conference.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Boston Celtics: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 16

Needs: Gary Payton to show up; a healthy Raef LaFraentz, at least one rookie to become an instant contributor.

Most Likely Moves: Rick Fox will probably retire and Payton will cool down and play.

Thoughts: Danny Ainge has assembled an intriguing group of youth and veteran talent. Depending on who shows up, steps up and grows up, these Celts could make some noise in the East.

Extra Thought: Paul Pierce remaining professional in a rebuilding situation: PRICELESS

New Jersey Nets: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 15

Needs: A Healthy Jason Kidd; Alonzo Mourning from 1999, and the quickest rebuilding project ever if they want to keep more than 12 fans.

Most Likely Moves: 15 contracts is a full load. There have been numerous reports that J-Kidd will be traded once he plays enough to prove he's recovered from knee surgery.

Thoughts: Both Dallas and the Lakers are on Jason's wish list, and both have the pieces to swing a deal. Or, he could go to the Mavs. Kidd wants to win a championship before his career winds down.

New York Knicks: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 14

Needs: A successful Marbury/Crawford backcourt. A healthy Allan Houston; a healthy Penny; a sober Vin Baker; young studs Sweetney and Ariza to bring it.

Most Likely Moves: Ask Isiah. That guy will never rest until there's a championship trophy in New York. Which means he may not get much sleep for a very long time.

Thoughts: Lots of "Ifs" for this team. If Starbury and Crawford click with each other this team could be downright scary. But, has either guy ever clicked with anybody?

Philadelphia 76ers: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 15 (counting Todd MacCulloch)

Needs: A Successful move to the point for Allen Iverson. Samuel Dalembert form last April. A motivated Big Dog. And a nice rooke season from Andre Iguodala.

Most Likely Moves: Like the Celts, the Sixers have an interesting combination of young prospects and skilled veterans.

Thoughts: Bringing in Corliss Williamson to back up Kenny Thomas results in nice tough frontcourt offense. Don't be surprised to see veteran Kevin Ollie paired with Allen in the backcourt during crunch time.

Toronto Raptors: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 13

Needs: Frontcourt muscle; a true center; a younger, healthy Vince Carter.

Most Likely Moves: Who knows?

Thoughts: Other than Chris Bosh, the future is dim in Toronto. As long as Air Canada sells tickets they wont trade him. They still can't get equal value from a marketing standpoint. The Raptors are probably stuck with this roster until VC escapes through free agency.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Chicago Bulls: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 16

Needs: A healthy Tyson Chandler; a motivated Eddy Curry.

Most Likely Moves: Scottie Pippen will likely retire; Curry could be traded if he slips up or fattens up.

Thoughts: While waiting for the big kids up front to develop, the front office has quietly assembled an exciting and versatile young group in the backcourt. If Chandler and Curry hit their stride this season, look for the team to ride this roster to the end. If not, Eddy is probably on his way to Memphis or another team that needs a center and has some talent to trade in return.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 12

Needs: A back up center to replace their failed shot at Tsakalidis; Insurance at guard; Overall health.

Most Likely Moves: Since Memphis announced they are going to match on Big Jake, there's very little left in free agency. Maybe a vet like Corie Blount or Keon Clark would be interested. Management has very little faith in Diop.

Thoughts: Another "If they stay healthy" squad. Although Boozer will be missed, it was the injury to Jeff McInnis that really derailed a nice run last year. The team still has yet to see what former lottery pick DaJuan Wagner can do with a full season of health. Will a crazy first season and Olympic roller coaster add up to a sophomore slump for LeBron?

Detroit Pistons: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 15

Needs: Additional shelf space on the trophy case; a good hangover medication.

Most Likely Moves: Play defense; Move the ball; Rebound; Meet Spurs in Finals; Get zero ratings.

Thoughts: What's that old saying about if it ain't broke? The Pistons kept the key parts to their championship team and added plenty of bench help and size.

Indiana Pacers: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 14

Needs: A nice safe happy place for Ron Artest; Consistency from Tinsley.

Most Likely Moves: Their roster is pretty much set. Management tried for Peja Stojakovic but the Kings weren't biting. May still move Artest for the right deal, but without the insurance of AL Harrington that may be too risky.

Thoughts: A nice, balanced roster from top to bottom. Finally found their long-term replacement for Reggie Miller in Stephen Jackson. Don't discount Jackson's experience as a starting 2-guard for the 2003 Championship Spurs. They could've used him last year.

Milwaukee Bucks: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 15

Needs: A healthy TJ Ford; Someone to answer the call at center.

Most Likely Moves: They say they're done.

Thoughts: Sounds like Ford's rehab is still going slowly. Like the Cavaliers with McInnis, the Bucks' season hit the skids when TJ got hurt. If he comes back at full strength early enough in the season this group could still make an impact. One of the centers, (Pachulia, Gadzuric, Santiago), needs to show starter-quality stuff.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Atlanta Hawks: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 12 Needs: Some fans, leadership from Antoine Walker, Al Harrington to emerge, and rookie promise.

Most Likely Moves: Request a transfer to the NBDL.

Thoughts: This is a sorry roster. Al Harrington is a nice player that teams have been after for years. After that, look for Antoine to step up in a contract year and everyone else to run around in circles.

Charlotte Bobcats: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 1,794 (16 actually).

Needs: Play the whole group on rotation and figure out who's for real.

Most Likely Moves: Roster is full. They're saving their money for next summer (or the one after that).

Thoughts: Not much here other than Emeka Okafor. This team will have to claw hard for every win.

Miami Heat: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 13

Needs: Back-up big man, and small and power forwards.

Most Likely Moves: It looks like they're giving up on Malone with the signing of Christian Laettner. Give the ball to Shaq.

Thoughts: No, seriously, give the ball to Shaq.

Orlando Magic: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 16

Needs: A Healthy Grant Hill. A winter home in Hades.

Most Likely Moves: Convince Francis and Mobley to occasionally pass the ball to Dwight Howard. Laugh at the teams who passed on Jameer Nelson.

Thoughts: A roster full of players who either can't play defense (Mobley, Turkoglu, Garrity, Bogans), can't play offense (Cato, DeClerq, Augmon) or just can't play (Stevenson, Bradley). Tony Battie has to be looking for a playoff team that could use a legit 7th man. It's a good year to see what the youngsters (Howard, Nelson, Johnsen, Kasun) will have to offer.

Washington Wizards: Current Guaranteed Contracts - 14

Needs: A healthy Gilbert Arenas; continued improvement from Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas, and especially Kwame Brown.

Most Likely Moves: None for now. Might re-sign Whitney as insurance.

Thoughts: The addition of Antawn Jamison makes for a nice offensive squad. Also, it's a contract year for Kwame, and you know what that usually means. And please change the team name back to Bullets.